Free People Designer - We The Free Wovens

Role Summary

Free People is seeking a Wovens Designer for our We The Free Bottoms category.  We The Free, the perfect lived-in look made effortless. Our We The Free collection is an in-house, heritage inspired collection of timeless staples – everything from your favorite jean to handcrafted leather goods. Untraditionally classic, rooted in menswear, vintage, and rock ‘n roll. 

Role Responsibilities

• Understands the Free People customer and provides designs to surprise and delight with strong integrity to the We The Free brand position and aesthetics.
• Contribute to the overall trend and direction for designs each season for Free People apparel woven product categories including pants, shorts, skirts, jumpsuit and rompers.
• Actively participates in designing seasonal collections, supervises/mentors team members to ensure that designs and resulting product are cohesive and appropriate for the Free People We The Free customer. 
• Research, Ideate and Design seasonal collections with flexibility across a variety of Woven apparel categories in collaboration with Design Leadership and partners within Design, Merchandising & Production.  
• Recognize and accurately forecast fashion and cultural trends and understand how they relate to the Free People customer.  
• Respond to business objectives with creative, innovative, and cost-effective design solutions. 
• Develop and present creative ideas that express Free People’s point of view in the market without being too obscure.  
• Motivate, lead, develop and coach.  Provide feedback and performance evaluation to direct reports in accordance with URBN guidelines with the goal of developing and promoting staff internally.  Delegate and direct the daily activities of the assistants and junior team members, providing direction and leadership to the team.   
• Creative Vision:  Demonstrate the vision to identify trends in their early stages and understand their impact to fashion, so we can be one step ahead for the aspirational customer.    
• Innovative approach to a category of design and ability to push creativity, fashion and silhouette through the lens of the brand
• Expertise in taking aspirational ideas, focusing on the key details and make them work for a broader audience.  
• Ability to research and report on industry trend direction, color direction, and fabric innovations approximately 9-12 months ahead of season.   
• Effectively use Adobe Illustrator for the CADing of design work and presentations.   
• Excellent communication skills to communicate ideas and inspirations to others and to interact with Designers, Buyers and other Cross Functional partners.      

Role Qualifications

• 5-7 Years of Design experience strongly preferred
• Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design or related field preferred.
• Passion for the Free People Customer
• Ability to articulate ideas clearly and inspire.   
• Expert-level technical knowledge of  Woven apparel construction.  
• Expert-level knowledge of fabric and trims as well as strong relationships with resources  
• Extensive knowledge of fabric treatments as well as wash and dye techniques  
• Extensive knowledge of manufacturing techniques and processes  
• Ability to hand sketch and communicate design ideas via computer program.  
• Ability to clearly communicate with all partners internal and external
• Willing to relocate to or current residence in or within commuting distance to Philadelphia, PA
• Some travel may be required. 

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The Perks

URBN offers comprehensive Perks & Benefits to employees. Availability and eligibility to specific benefits may be subject to your location and employment status. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, PTO, generous employee discounts, retirement savings and much more! For additional information visit www.urbn.com/work-with-us/benefits 

EEO Statement

Urban Outfitters, Inc. celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression), religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We believe strongly in fostering a safe, fair and respectful work environment. To ensure compliance with our non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, we offer anti-harassment training to managers and employees.